Slight chance of dry lightning in the North Bay

A hurricane swirling in the Pacific Ocean is creating unsettled weather conditions in the North Bay, where a slight chance of dry lightning is forecast for Tuesday afternoon.

Dry lightning is the general term used for storms that produces lightning and thunder, but no precipitation.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service said the actual risk for dry lightning to strike the North Bay this afternoon is low. But any risk is worth noting given drought conditions and fire danger.

The North Bay’s weather is being influenced by Madeline, one of two hurricanes circulating off the coast of Hilo, Hawaii. The hurricane has brought an upper-level moisture system that besides raising the specter of thunderstorms also set the stage for Monday evening’s spectacular sunset.

Temperatures are expected to reach 83 degrees in Santa Rosa today.

You can reach Staff Writer Derek Moore at 521-5336 or derek.moore@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @deadlinederek.